Optical Express warns about smoking effects for No Smoking Day 2019

Optical Express has issued a warning ahead of No Smoking Day 2019 about the effects that smoking can have on eye health.

Experts from the company said in the warning that smoke contains over 7,000 dangerous chemicals that can cause conditions such as uveitis, which can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and dry eye.

Stephen Hannan, clinical services director at Optical Express said: ‘9.4 million smokers can’t avoid knowing the risks to their lungs, skin and heart but the risks to eyesight aren’t as commonly known. Smoking can cause dry eyes because the tobacco and noxious particles from a cigarette irritate the protective film of the eye known as the conjunctiva. Smokers are also four times more likely to be diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration. Optical Express encourage those who smoke to keep on top of their eye health by attending regular eye tests.’